Leash Training

Happy Friday! I thought it would be fun to do a list of dog-related things that I am loving every Friday under the heading of “Friday Favorites”. (I totally stole this idea from other blogs I enjoy, with the hope that you would enjoy it too.) So, without further ado, here are some of Albie and my favorite things!

**mommasgonecity on Instagram. The story is that this ridiculously photogenic family in the Bay Area adopted this cute as can be puppy named Theo and he immediately bonded with their toddler, Beau, and they became the best of friends that ever were. Everyday Theo and Beau take a nap together and momma photographs it. Add this little bit of squee to your instafeed. You won’t regret it. http://instagram.com/mommasgonecity/

**retractable leashes! First, I only used a leather leash, but after Albie ate through 3 in his first year we switched to a bungee cord one with a lifetime warranty. That has served us well through 3 more replacements (I have mentioned Albie is fairly out of control, yes?) but I have lately taken up hiking with Albie. Finally, I decided I needed a retractable leash to be able to change up the slack depending if we came across any other dogs or people on our walks, the steepness of the hills, etc. I had always been against retractable leashes because I feel that they don’t allow you to properly leash train your dog but let’s be real, Albie is untrainable. I just want to have a nice hike. I finally broke down and got a retractable leash and it has made a huge difference in my walking enjoyment with Al. Sometimes you need to try a few leashes, collars, etc. to find the ones that work for you and your pup. The important thing is that you go on long and frequent walks because dogs need a good workout every day. Of course, this is also where the beautiful staff of Elliot’s House can help out; I hear dog walking is sort of their thing! However, if you’re going it alone, make sure you check out some of our favorite dog-friendly spots in Boston: https://www.elliotshouse.com/best-dog-walks-boston-2/

**petprojekt dog egg. It’s rare for Albie to find a toy that he doesn’t destroy within the first few minutes. Kongs are obviously the gold standard, and we have also enjoyed Planet Orbee, but he loves his dog egg the most! It has a squeak, but is not terribly irritating; it has an odd shape which leads to an unexpected bounce which he loves; and it’s solidly made. Great toy for an active dog who is a serious chewer. I mean serious. He ate through a table once; I may have mentioned that.

Winter may be perpetually coming in everyone’s favorite HBO show, but thankfully in Boston it’s time for spring. After this never-ending winter of our discontent we can finally open up the windows, turn down the heat, kick off our snow boots, and become reacquainted with the beauty of Boston when it’s not covered in inches of filthy snow. Finally, the snow has melted, the flowers are blooming, and it is time to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of some of the best dog-friendly walking trails in the area.

Formerly a train track, this is a very cool place to walk your best furry friend. Nearby parking is available.

Castle Island
William J Day Blvd and Head Island Causeway
Boston, MA, US 2127
(617) 268-5744

This 22 acre urban-park is fun for the whole family, including those whose tails wag while on a hike. Stunning views!

Minuteman Bikeway
Cambridge, MA

This is another re-appropriated train track! Nearby parking available.

Gore Park
East Cambridge, MA, US

On-leash dogs are welcome to this East Cambridge park.

Harvard Square
Cambridge, MA

Sometimes a general area walk is what you want. Harvard Square is fun for people and pets alike! Enjoy the street performers, walk the manicured lawns, and if you need something to read pop into the Harvard bookstore. Dogs are welcome!

This fenced-in dog park is especially great for smaller dogs. The ground is gravel, not mud, which is obviously a huge benefit to choosing this one. When you’re done here make sure you stop into JP Licks for refreshing treats for you AND your puppy. (J P Licks, 4A College Ave., Somerville, MA 02144- featuring Cow Paws, a cool treat made especially for dogs.)

Nunziato Field Dog Park
Summer St and Vinal Ave
Somerville, MA, US

Sometimes there is nothing better than a fenced in dog park to let your buddy go off leash and run until he or she drops. A tired dog is a happy dog. Make sure you remember to bring your own water!

Probably the best known walking spot in Boston, but also my favorite, is the Boston Public Garden. Swans, flowers, people-watching: the Gardens have it all! This is a fantastic spot to walk your dog. (And I once got Albie the best sweater at a little dog store on Newbury Street.)

So get those leashes out and go enjoy the sunshine with your dog! What spots do you like to go to, Bostonians? Let us know in the comments and we’ll see you there!